“The Week that it Was”.

G’day to all

As I look back on the week that was, to say nothing happened out the ,ordinary might be an under statement. We sold our house back home in Rocky, which is where I hung my hat for nearly 20 years. We have had some wonderful times, and of course there were bad times dotted through0ut the years. I can still remember our daughters running around in what  God had intended  them to wear, with those yellow gum boots. Oh what a sight!!. Anyway, the house is gone now and I hope the new owners enjoy the house as much as we did.

Here in Japan they’ve creatively name their national holidays. We had a Culture Day during the week. Yep you guessed it, we did some Japanese culturing by going shopping, to experience just a tad more of what Japan has to offer. We topped the day off with a bowl of うどん noodles, well I did anyway, あいしい　！！.

The weekend just tapered off into a relaxing time enjoying time with the family. We watched a good flick on Saturday night called Julie&Julia. It is a true story about Julia Childs who had the desire to write a cook book back in the forties or fifties. The book’s name was Mastering the Art of French Cooking and was published in the early sixties . Julie Power on the other hand was living around 2003. She was a bored writer working in an office looking for sometime to inspire her and get her out of the doldrums. She enjoyed cooking, so to help her get over her  speed bump  she decided to challenge herself by cooking the entire book of 536 receipts in 365 days. To add a little spice, Julie P decided to put her daily thoughts on her blog, Julie/Julia Project. This blog become an instant success. The movie showed how both women were tested while achieving their goals, and although at times they were tested, both of them knew what they wanted and never gave up until the project was finished and a success. The movie has given me an inspiration to try some of the recipes from the book. One actually, Patè de Canard en Croute and it’s for Christmas lunch!.

I was saddened to hear  that a  work mate passed away suddenly early Saturday morning. It is always a shock when you get news like that out of the blue. During these times for me anyway, I start to think about the ‘what if’s’ and wonder if  my life is in good order. I’m not sure if he was a believer or not. Unfortunately it’s too late to do anything about it now.  All I can say is, it’s time to hang up your stethoscope buddy.

We went to our friendly little church  on Sunday morning to get our refreshing top up of His holy spirit and as usual He did not let me down. The message was based around Exodus  20 1-21 the ten commandments stuff. The bit that  the preacher was narrowing in on was ‘Honour your Parents’ and any deviation from this is a sin. Therefore, it was saying to me that I/we need to bring our sins before God and confess our sins to him and then do the same with our parents before it is too late. I think of my friend who passed away suddenly during the week you just never know when your number is called, so we should act now before it is too late. . . . . .

You’ve got to love it!!!

I think あき＆こうよう　(changing leaves of autumn) is one of the greatest experiences one could ever have while living in Japan. What a frenzy. It’s just like feeding time time at the zoo while you  chase the trees  changing  their leaves into magnificent splendor. God is the greatest gardener of all. I don’t think you can ever get enough!!!.  Today was going to be no exception to this, we were off to view the sights around Naruko -onsen-kyo Hot Spring Village

We scooted off north up the Tohoko Expressway from Sendai  in the red ‘swede mobeel’ with our good pals Jiro & Chieko. It was not too long before we exited at Furukawa and drove along Highway 47 and followed the signs to Naruko. Jiro could read the road signs so easily as he has been studying kanji for a long time. Just before the town of Naruko we turned off onto Highway 108. This highway took us past  Naruko Dam, surrounded by high rocky cliff faces. Each side of the mountain was covered by layered orange and yellow foliage, with the occasional dab of red, which made this a magnificent sight.

Our first of call was the かんけつ泉　(kanketsu geyser) a  400 yen entry fee is charged for the pleasure of seeing a jet of hot water and steam shooting up out of the ground.  The かんけつ shows it’s splendor every 10 or so and nature’s show only lasts for a few minutes. The surroundings were quiet and peaceful with an open onsen and foot baths  to soak the weary feet . The area’s mineral-rich hot springs are famous for their healing properties. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to dip our feet into the water to experience the healing!!. Maybe  for the cost of seeing かんけつ was a little steep for what you get. Anyway judge for yourself.

Next we were off  to ふきあげ　じごふだんい　’Hell Valley’ which was in the same area as the geyser. Tucked away in this valley, the putrid smell of sulfur is so thick you can can nearly cut it with a knife. The smell reminded me of Rotorua in New Zealand. Along  the steaming stream,  a canopy of coloured trees growing on each side, filtered the direct sunlight. The water in places was boiling and had we known, we could have brought some eggs along, like many other people, and boiled them up for afternoon tea. Along the walk unexpectedly hot water and stream literally gushed out of the rocks making strange gurgling, thunder type noises.  According to local legend this secluded place with it’s volcanic atmosphere combined with the seasonal beauty, has fascinated  visitors for over 1,200 year. Can you believe it!!!.

With the yard arm moving towards mid afternoon we set sail for another optical indulgence of こうよ,  ending up at popular tourist destination of the Naruko Valley. I know this because of all the car parks. Fortunately many of the day trippers had already left to join in a long line of traffic heading home. At the viewing points overlooking the valley you could see the  ravine carved out by the  Oya River,  leaving behind fantastically shaped rocks and sheer cliffs. All over the valley was God’s handy work again with vibrant autumn colours coming to life like lights glistening in the late afternoon sun. An arched bridge crossed the valley at one end and of course this was the back drop of many photos. It was not long before the sun had set and we were sitting in darkness enjoying a cuppa and sampling the local culinary delights of Dango, Hiroshima Okonomiyaki & a Pancake topped with fresh cream.

It just does not get much better than this.

Thanks to Jiro and Chieko for sharing their time to show us this little part of Japan.

Look at all the colours!!

Crossing the Eai-gawa River

Reay for an On-sen anyone?

The かんけつ geyser

Hell Valley

Hot & Steamy!!

A map of Hell Valley

The Naruko Valley

What’s that!, you want two more!!!!!

Enjoying the local spoils!!!

Until next time enjoy the view.

Enjoying あきー (Autumn Colours)

Howdy again

Our little adventure takes us north of Sendai Japan in search for the famous あき the autumn colours.

Off we sailed in our little hire car north along the Tohoku Expressway. We got off at exit NO 34 Ichinoseki and headed for our first port of call which was Genbikei. Genbikei is famous for its rugged rock faced gorge and the flying だんご (dango-rice balls). We were amazed at the vivid colours of the changing trees that neatly surrounded the gorge. Of course a round of だんご at 400 yen was well with the drive. The flying だんご  operates by a flying fox pulley system across the gorge. To alert the cook you the dong the donger.  Cookie on the other side was a bit of a character as he played up to us by raising the Australian flag to signal we were in fact Aussies. Hours could be spent searching every nook and cranny if you have the time. Walk ways both sides of the main bridge allow the avid adventurers places to explore to get lost in the surroundings.

Next part of the adventure, we darted east to Geibikei to sample what this popular tourist destination had to offer. Once again we not disappointed. Like Genbikei, Geibikei was bathed in the magnificent autumn orange vibrant colour schemes. No gorge here, but a small river that slowly meanders through thick tree studded banks where the water is so clear you can see your skins blemishes in the reflection. Heaps of trout and carp can be spotted in the water waiting for a feed. Some of them looked like they have had a good feed recently. To view all this, hop on one of the many gondolas that aimlessly float along the river. Of course there is guy who steers the gondola with his long bamboo stick. Our guy never stopped talking and seemed to keep all the other passengers amused, if only I could understand Japanese i might have enjoyed the joke with him.

Anyway,  along the way the river winds around sheer rock faces some over 80 metres high. He even called one section ‘The Japanese Grand Canyon’, that’s how tall the rock wall was. I’m not sure but I think it was about two and half hours by the time we got back. We did stop at some point for a breather and walk around a for about 20 minutes. This is where we saw people trying to throw rocks into a hole in the rock face on the  other side of the river. I’m not sure what spiritual benefit this would have on people. With the gondola driver refreshed we set off for the return journey. He pulled out another trick from his bag by serenading us with Japanese traditional songs. I can tell you they were very relaxing and it allowed you to fully engross yourself in the surroundings. You have to fork out 1,500 yen for the pleasure of this trip. “That’s a bit steep”, I hear you say, I can tell you it is well worth it.

All in all we had a great day enjoying the あき.  The drive from Sendai took us about one and half hours, using the expressway which was 1,700 yen each way. If you ever want a go exploring Japan in Miyagi prefecture these two places should be high on the agenda.

Getting our だんご

It’s arrived!!

Genbikei Gorge

Geibikei

Drifting along the river

‘The Japanese Grand Canyon’

Me & my mate

Until next time, enjoy the view

The day of reckoning

Howdy

Well last weekend saw me head off to Matsushima to try my hand at marathon racing. This is where man attempts to beat the clock over 21 kilometers. In most cases Old Father Time was the victor. After months of training, the day had finally arrived and with the butterflies buzzing around in my gut & frequent stops to the toilet, I had an uneasy waiting time before the race. I suppose it was the fear of the unknown:  would my old body stand up up to the vigorous pace of marathon racing. I knew my upper body & mind said it would happen, but there was a small question mark over my legs.

Anyway, off we went at a cracking pace my three other buddy’s left me in their dust & I felt like the slow tortoise. I was not alone  as I ran in a pack for awhile. As the kilometres ticked by so did the clock. I was ahead of my training time, yippee I shouted to myself. It was at the 10 kms I knew I had enough left in the tank to get home. It was a race against time. Could I get back within two hours??. The hills & the head wind  started to take affect with each stride and it was getting that little bit harder to fully stretch out.  When I crossed the finish line the  clock was showing 2:03:17 & the race was over. Now my main concern was to nurse my aching muscles & get some food & fluids into me.

Matsushima being on the coast, I imagined the run would be  pleasant coastal experience with stunning views to distract the mind. I was wrong, the race course took us through the back blocks of rice fields, a smelly fishing village & not much else. I can see now why people run with ipods. It was so boring.

Would I do it again? You bet!!.

My other mates finished strongly;

Kevin:~ 565 place ~ time ~ 1:50:56

Jason:~ 688 place ~ time ~ 1:53:45

Me: ~    1024 place ~ time ~ 2:03:17

Well done to all the other 2,000 runners who ran the marathon.

Me Mates!!!

Not to far to go. Showing off again.

This is me after the race ~ still standing

Until next time, enjoy the view.

Where did Silver Week Go???

Howdy
Where did Silver Week go?. Well is was not actually a week, just a few national holidays strung together. Anyway it’s been & gone.
We ended up having 2 Japanese style BBQ’s. One BBQ was with our dear friends Jiro & Chieko sampling the finest catch of the day. You name it we had it. Prawns big enough to put a saddles on’em. The scallops were extra tasty either cooked or uncooked. For my brains & beauty I had fish eyes. Yep, I’m still waiting for things to change. Oh well, you can’t win’em all.
The second BBQ started around 13:00 finishing around 20:00. It was just an afternoon of grazing of delicious food cooked by my friend Takashi. Not a bad cook. He even had some lamb chops just for us. Great way for cultural enrichment.

We found a little town tucked away in the mountains behind Sendai. Jogi township is tightly nested around the Nyorai Saihoji Buddist Temple. The temple holds an Eight century Chinese scroll of Amida Buddha it’s not out on display so we never saw it. It is believed that this fellow will bring you good luck, happiness, and easy childbirth if you pray there. If that’s your bag. There is all sorts of things to see there including a 5 story Pagoda built without any nails or screws. Even the timber is all from the same trees & felled from the same side of the of the slope. Simply amazing, only in Japan I say. Anyway if you have time go for a look for yourself and see what you think. Oh yes while you are there try some of their famous ‘Aburage’ (deep fried tofu). An acquired taste I suppose!!.

The last day we headed up to Zao-Okama with others from school. The day was not ideal with little bits of rain & overcast skies the order of the day. Anyway we made it up there & we were able to see the crater lake in it’s glory. Being not too crowded was a bonus. They say the colour of the lake changes during the day. It must be in bright sunlight because it didn’t change for us. On the way down we caught a large bowl of ramen followed by a relaxing foot on-sen. If you are ever in Miyagi or Yamagata prefectures pop up & see the okama, you won’t be disappointed.

There you have it, silver week over in a flash. Who said you had to travel a long way to see the sights of Japan.

Now that’s a prawn!!!

My mate Takashi cooking up storm.

Jyogi Temple

Unusual water fountain

Inside the temple

The new temple

This is it Zao-Okama

Oh that’s nice!!

Anyway, until next time enjoy the view.

A day that got away

Howdy again.
Here in Japan it is Autumn with the leaves  changing colours. I tell you they can be quite vivid and spectacular. Lets go to Geibike Gorge with our dear friends Jiro & Chieko to the gorge in it’s splendor.
All set to go: thermos hot, snacks to go,-oh no! The van has a brake system warning light on and can’t be repaired over the weekend. What should we do?  A few tears later it’s off to Izumigatake for an old fashioned picnic. At least we can spend some time with our friends. Might I say a good day to go. Hardly a person in sight. So spread the blankets out and get into the tucker Chieko has made for us. Oh how I luv her cooking.

While we were there we saw a crazy new sport ??????. I suppose it gives  the snow boarders practice time before the snow arrives. Looks a little hard for my liking. Anyway why get wet.

After a good bite and being satisfied and feeling like a big carpet snake wanting a sleep, we set off up to the top of the mountain via the chair lift. Hard to imagine in a couple of months we will be skiing down these slopes or sliding down!!!.

All in all, not a bad day, I know it doesn’t replace the spectacular views of Geibike, but it sure does beat sitting at home. Now, what were those new words I learnt, emmm just remember’em.

What a spread!

View from the top

What a view

Better go
Until next time enjoy the view.

The Catch of the Day.

We visited the Shiogama Fish Markets on Saturday morning. Boy, what a time we had! It certainly makes it very easy going with a local. We were fortunate to go with my Japanese tutor and her husband. They were like kids in a lolly store, zipping here and there looking for the perfect seafood catch of the day. I learnt that the Japanese don’t waste too much of the catch, eating just about everything.

You should have seen the amount of food we bought! I only wanted to get a whole fish to cook on the BBQ, I had to reduce the size of the fish due to the amount of food we actually got.

While we were there we had a taste of sashimi hotate (scallops), ika (squid) and maguro (tuna) all of course very fresh and oishi!!!.

Even bought some huge ebi (prawns) from Madagascar. They were big enough to be able to put a saddle on and ride’em home!!!.
Finally our friends got some tuna fish eyes to cook up as a meal. They say they are good for skins and improving your brains. May be just what I need!!.

Anyway, what a great time we spent several hours there. Even if you don’t buy anything it’s worth a look.
So, if you are in the Sendai area try to get there and have a look. I can assure when you go you will be looked after as all the sellers enjoyed entertaining the gaijin’s. We stood out, I think the only gaijin’s there that morning.

Not sure the best way to get there, no doubt the local trains and buses run regularly to the avid explorer to Shiogama.

Shiogama Fish Markets

That’s what I call a knife!!

Ready for action